- A dual group of senators has introduced an amendment to exclude high-income families from receiving $ 1,400 stimulus checks.
- The amendment does not provide a threshold for exclusion from the stimulus test.
- Republicans and some Democrats have voiced support for scaling back revenue thresholds on stimulus payments.
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A bipartisan group of 16 senators on Thursday sponsored a budget amendment to exclude higher-income families from receiving $ 1,400 stimulus checks. The submission was part of the so-called “vote-a-rama” of the Senate, where amendments are not binding.
Led by Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the amendment does not set a threshold for excluding stimulus controls. It only says that it will hinder payments from ‘taxpayers with higher incomes’.
The measure was voted 58-42. Bernie Sanders, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, said he did not support the distribution of stimulus payments to six-figure households.
He added: “I absolutely want to make certain people who earn $ 75,000 a year less get their payments and couples who earn $ 150,000 or less a year get their payments.”
It was tabled as part of the ‘vote-a-rama’ that began Thursday afternoon, making it possible for every senator to propose an amendment to a budget resolution. The resolution is expected to be approved as Democrats advance to ensure the implementation of President Joe Biden’s $ 1.9 billion relief package without GOP votes.
The measure highlights the ongoing debate in Congress over who is eligible for a new wave of $ 1,400 stimulus checks. Biden and White House officials say they are willing to compromise on the income threshold – but not the size – of direct payments.
“Further targeting does not mean the size of the check – it does mean the income level of people who receive the check,” Biden spokeswoman Jen Psaki told a news conference on Wednesday. “This is something that is being discussed.”
Some Democrats are pushing for a new plan that would target incentive payments to lower-income households. The proposal only offers a full $ 1400 check for individuals earning $ 50,000 or less. Then couples earning $ 100,000 and less will be eligible for a full federal payment.